Legislation Details

File #: 26-1220    Version: 1 Name: Honoring Dr. Jo Ann Roberts and Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. Youth Voter Empowerment Coalition
Type: Consent Calendar Resolution Status: Approved
File created: 4/13/2026 In control: Board of Commissioners
On agenda: 4/16/2026 Final action: 4/16/2026
Title: PROPOSED RESOLUTION HONORING DR. JO ANN ROBERTS AND REV. JESSE L. JACKSON SR. YOUTH VOTER EMPOWERMENT COALITION WHEREAS, Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Sr. dedicated his life to advancing civil rights, social justice, and civic engagement, holding a steadfast belief that young people must be educated, empowered, and included in the democratic process; and WHEREAS, Dr. Jo Ann Roberts has worked alongside Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Sr. for more than fifty years, standing with him in service, advocacy, and leadership, while remaining deeply committed to the principles of justice, equity, and democratic participation; and WHEREAS, through decades of unwavering dedication, Dr. Jo Ann Roberts has played a critical role in preserving and advancing Reverend Jackson's vision, ensuring that his lifelong commitment to youth empowerment and civic engagement continues to thrive; and WHEREAS, Dr. Jo Ann Roberts formed a coalition comprised of Devorah Crable of Know Your Vote, Letina Brady Pettis of G...
Sponsors: TARA S. STAMPS, FRANK J. AGUILAR, ALMA E. ANAYA, SCOTT R. BRITTON, JOHN P. DALEY, BRIDGET DEGNEN, BILL LOWRY, DR. KISHA E. McCASKILL, DONNA MILLER, STANLEY MOORE, JOSINA MORITA, KEVIN B. MORRISON, TONI PRECKWINKLE (President), MICHAEL SCOTT JR., MAGGIE TREVOR, JESSICA VÁSQUEZ
title
PROPOSED RESOLUTION

HONORING DR. JO ANN ROBERTS AND REV. JESSE L. JACKSON SR. YOUTH VOTER EMPOWERMENT COALITION

WHEREAS, Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Sr. dedicated his life to advancing civil rights, social justice, and civic engagement, holding a steadfast belief that young people must be educated, empowered, and included in the democratic process; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Jo Ann Roberts has worked alongside Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Sr. for more than fifty years, standing with him in service, advocacy, and leadership, while remaining deeply committed to the principles of justice, equity, and democratic participation; and

WHEREAS, through decades of unwavering dedication, Dr. Jo Ann Roberts has played a critical role in preserving and advancing Reverend Jackson's vision, ensuring that his lifelong commitment to youth empowerment and civic engagement continues to thrive; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Jo Ann Roberts formed a coalition comprised of Devorah Crable of Know Your Vote, Letina Brady Pettis of Get Out the Vote 4 Teens, Betty Magness of Rainbow PUSH, and Frederique Desrosiers, Policy and Advocacy Director of Chicago Votes, whose collective advocacy helped advance legislation centered on youth civic participation; and

WHEREAS, this coalition met with Senator Robert Peters, and through that engagement, he agreed to sponsor the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. Young Voter Empowerment Law, marking a significant step forward in expanding civic education and voter engagement opportunities for young people; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Jo Ann Roberts was instrumental in advancing the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. Young Voter Empowerment Law, helping to move this historic legislation forward and ensuring that young people are intentionally seated at the table where decisions are made; and

WHEREAS, this law reflects Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Sr.'s enduring belief that democracy is strengthened when youth voices are heard, respected, and prepared to participate fully in the democratic process; and
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